Which type of memory involves information that is acquired and expressed unconsciously or automatically?

Implicit memory refers to the type of memory that facilitates the retention and expression of information without the need for conscious awareness. This kind of memory often involves automatic processes, allowing individuals to perform tasks or recall information without actively thinking about it. An example of implicit memory is riding a bicycle or playing a musical instrument, where skills are performed intuitively rather than through deliberate recall.

In contrast, iconic memory pertains to the brief retention of visual information, primarily lasting only a fraction of a second, which does not directly involve unconscious learning and expression. Long-term memory encompasses a broader range of information storage, including both conscious (explicit) and unconscious (implicit) forms, but does not specifically refer to the automatic nature of implicitly stored information. Maintenance rehearsal involves the repetitive review of information to keep it in working memory and does not encompass the unconscious automatic recall associated with implicit memory. Therefore, implicit memory is the most accurate choice for describing information that is acquired and expressed unconsciously.